Sportblog + South Africa | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog+football/southafrica
Indexen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2016Fri, 09 Dec 2016 14:31:34 GMT2016-12-09T14:31:34Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2016The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
Rugby World Cup: Rivals still seeking magic blend of back-row fetchers | Dean Ryanhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/aug/14/rugby-world-cup-back-row-fetchers-england
England are not the only ones craving a winning formula – and over the next few weeks there are certain to be more performers who play their way out of the World Cup than those managing to secure a berth<p>Let’s consider the case of Henry Slade, the gifted Exeter 22-year-old who makes his England debut on Saturday. Most people consider Slade has a decent England career ahead of him. Maybe a few World Cups, but probably not this one.</p><p>To get into Stuart Lancaster’s squad <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/aug/13/henry-slade-england-world-cup-squad-stuart-lancaster" title="">Slade will probably have to play out of his skin at Twickenham</a> and then cross his fingers until the final 31 are announced after the return game against France but before the final warm-up game in Ireland, where Lancaster says he will show his hand.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/aug/13/henry-slade-england-world-cup-squad-stuart-lancaster">Henry Slade hopes meteoric rise continues into England World Cup squad</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/aug/13/the-breakdown-rugby-world-cup-england-burgess">Rugby World Cup 2015: Big-time nous of Sam Burgess can be vital to England | Paul Rees</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/aug/14/rugby-world-cup-back-row-fetchers-england">Continue reading...</a>Rugby World Cup 2015England rugby union teamSouth AfricaAustralia rugby union teamNew Zealand rugby union teamWales rugby union teamRugby unionRugby World CupSportFri, 14 Aug 2015 11:15:49 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/aug/14/rugby-world-cup-back-row-fetchers-englandPhotograph: Phil Walter/Getty ImagesThere has been speculation in New Zealand about changes designed to prevent their captain Richie McCaw from being outgunned at the breakdown. Photograph: Phil Walter/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Phil Walter/Getty ImagesThere has been speculation in New Zealand about changes designed to prevent their captain Richie McCaw from being outgunned at the breakdown. Photograph: Phil Walter/Getty ImagesDean Ryan2015-08-14T11:15:49ZAfrica Cup of Nations 2015 review: highs and lows of the tournament | Nick Ameshttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/09/africa-cup-of-nations-2015-review
The best goal, the best game and the biggest surprises after an eventful month in Equatorial Guinea was ended with Ivory Coast’s shootout success over Ghana<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/09/didier-drogba-ivory-coast-africa-cup-of-nations-boubacar-barry" title="">• Drogba leads celebrations as Ivorians end their long wait</a><br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/08/ivory-coast-ghana-africa-cup-of-nations-final-match-report" title="">• Ivory Coast 0-0-Ghana (Ivory Coast win 9-8 on penalties): match report</a><p>It would be churlish not to praise the winner, Ivory Coast, even if they stumbled over the line. They had waited 23 years for this and, mainly for their performances in the games against Cameroon, Algeria and DR Congo, could justifiably be called the best team. Equatorial Guinea deserve a mention too – their progress from the group stage was exhilarating and played out to remarkable levels of volume, and not even their fortunate win over Tunisia could completely silence the feelgood story. An unusually technical, mobile team of overachievers were fascinating to watch but in falling short against Ghana, their story became overtaken somewhat <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/06/equatorial-guinea-fined-africa-cup-violence-ghana" title="">by off-pitch events</a>.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/08/ivory-coast-ghana-africa-cup-of-nations-final-match-report">Ivory Coast 0-0 Ghana (IC 9-8 on pens) | Africa Cup of Nations final</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/09/africa-cup-of-nations-2015-review">Continue reading...</a>Africa Cup of Nations 2015Africa Cup of NationsAlgeriaSouth AfricaEquatorial GuineaBurkina FasoIvory CoastGhanaFootballSportMon, 09 Feb 2015 12:14:38 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/09/africa-cup-of-nations-2015-reviewPhotograph: Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty ImagesNick Ames in Bata, Equatorial Guinea2015-02-09T12:14:38ZAfrica Cup of Nations’ lop-sided draw promises intrigue if not high quality | Jonathan Wilsonhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/dec/04/africa-cup-nations-draw-intrigue-quality
Some of Africa’s best teams will be eliminated early, whereas the weaker teams have their best ever chance to progress<br><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/nov/27/avram-grant-ghana-new-coach" title="">• Avram Grant confirmed as Ghana’s new coach</a><br><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/dec/03/michael-essien-milan-doctor-ebola" title="">• The rumour that failed to amuse Michael Essien</a><p>Given the seeding pots, the potential for an atrociously difficult group at next month’s Africa Cup of Nations was always there. The draw delivered, spectacularly and brutally. Algeria, the top-ranked team in Africa, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/30/germany-algeria-world-cup-last-16-match-report" title="">the only one of the Cup of Nations qualifiers to reach the last 16 of the World Cup</a>, were the danger lurking in Pot 2 and Ghana the unlucky seeds. But worse than that, Ghana had already been grouped with Senegal – by some distance the best team in Pot 4 – and, from Pot 3, the side that eliminated the champions Nigeria in qualifying, South Africa, resurgent under Shakes Mashaba.</p><p>If one of the aims of this tournament was to direct the attention to Mongomo, the home town of the Equatoguinean president, Obiang Nguema, the draw could hardly have worked out better. There have been clear efforts over the past few years to raise the profile of the town on <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/nov/20/africa-cup-of-nations-nigeria-equatorial-guinea" title="">Equatorial Guinea</a>’s eastern border with Gabon. In 2009, for instance, a huge basilica, 200m long, was built, while there is a modern five-star hotel that, until now, had been in search of a purpose. It will presumably host all four of the teams in Group C.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/dec/04/africa-cup-nations-draw-intrigue-quality">Continue reading...</a>Africa Cup of NationsFootballAlgeriaGhanaEquatorial GuineaSouth AfricaSenegalIvory CoastSportThu, 04 Dec 2014 15:22:25 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/dec/04/africa-cup-nations-draw-intrigue-qualityPhotograph: Miguel Riopa/AFP/Getty ImagesAlgeria's Yacine Brahi, left, was this week named the African Player of the Year. Photograph: Miguel Riopa/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Miguel Riopa/AFP/Getty ImagesAlgeria's Yacine Brahi, left, was this week named the African Player of the Year. Photograph: Miguel Riopa/AFP/Getty ImagesJonathan Wilson2014-12-04T15:22:25ZSoweto unites to say farewell to murdered goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa | Ed Aaronshttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/oct/30/senzo-meyiwa-murder-south-africa-gun-culture
The Orlando Pirates star should have been playing in front of 90,000 on Saturday; instead he will be buried<p>Saturday’s Soweto derby was meant to be all about two fierce rivals slugging it out in front of 90,000 loyal fans. Instead the hearts and minds of millions of Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs supporters across South Africa will be with Senzo Meyiwa’s family at his funeral in Umlazi in Durban.</p><p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/26/south-africa-goalkeeper-senzo-meyiwa-dead" title="">After the shooting of the Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper on Sunday night, </a>the Premier Soccer League (PSL) had no choice but to cancel the match scheduled to kick off at 3.30pm local time at the FNB Stadium on the outskirts of Soweto. Meyiwa’s No1 jersey has already been officially retired by his club, while tributes to the 27-year-old, who had just set a record of four successive clean sheets for South Africa, have flooded in from around the world.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/oct/30/senzo-meyiwa-murder-south-africa-gun-culture">Continue reading...</a>South AfricaFootballSouth AfricaAfricaWorld newsSportThu, 30 Oct 2014 11:02:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/oct/30/senzo-meyiwa-murder-south-africa-gun-culturePhotograph: Barry Aldworth/EPABafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa with South African president Jacob Zuma in January 2013. Photograph: Barry Aldworth/EPAPhotograph: Barry Aldworth/EPABafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa with South African president Jacob Zuma in January 2013. Photograph: Barry Aldworth/EPAEd Aarons2014-10-30T11:02:00ZOur favourite things online this week: from the University of Texas to Yeovilhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/jan/17/favourite-things-online-this-week-texas-yeovil
Featuring race relations in college football, mascots in baseball, violence in Florence and Mick McCarthy stirring a cup of tea<p>Thanks for all your comments and suggestions on <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/jan/10/tennis-talkers-street-soccer-favourite-things-online-ferguson">our last blog</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/jan/17/favourite-things-online-this-week-texas-yeovil">Continue reading...</a>SportFootballUS sportsCollege footballBaseballMLBChicago CubsTennisAustralian Open 2014GolfSouth AfricaNelson MandelaFri, 17 Jan 2014 17:14:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/jan/17/favourite-things-online-this-week-texas-yeovilPhotograph: Paul Childs/Action ImagesHollywood's loss is football's gain. Photograph: Paul Childs/Action ImagesPhotograph: Paul Childs/Action ImagesHollywood's loss is football's gain. Photograph: Paul Childs/Action ImagesPaul Campbell2014-01-17T17:14:00ZAfrica comes to the boil with seven play-off places still up for grabs | Jonathan Wilsonhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/sep/03/africa-world-cup-qualifying-2014
Only Algeria, Egypt and Ivory Coast are currently assured of places in the two-leg play-offs for next year's World Cup in Brazil<p>You can tell a World Cup is approaching because Kevin Prince-Boateng has suddenly decided he feels like playing international football again. The attacking midfielder retired from international football in 2011, but has ended his exile to come into the Ghana squad for Friday's final <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/jun/04/africa-world-cup-2014-qualifying" title="">World Cup qualifier</a> in which Ghana need only to avoid defeat against Zambia to secure a place in the play-off round for World Cup qualifying.</p><p>The structure of the African preliminaries may be nonsensical, but they do guarantee drama: 10 groups of four, with the top sides going forward to two-leg play-offs, with the winners going on to Brazil.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/sep/03/africa-world-cup-qualifying-2014">Continue reading...</a>World Cup 2014 qualifiersCameroonFootballGhanaSudanAlgeriaEgyptIvory CoastSouth AfricaBurkina FasoCape VerdeEthiopiaSportTue, 03 Sep 2013 12:05:34 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/sep/03/africa-world-cup-qualifying-2014Photograph: Gallo Images/Getty ImagesMichael Essien has declared himself fit for Ghana in Friday’s final World Cup qualifier against Zambia. Photograph: Gallo Images/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Gallo Images/Getty ImagesMichael Essien has declared himself fit for Ghana in Friday’s final World Cup qualifier against Zambia. Photograph: Gallo Images/Getty ImagesJonathan Wilson2013-09-03T12:05:34ZWorld Cup qualifiers: 10 things to look out for this weekend | Guardian writershttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/mar/22/ten-international-things-this-weekend
A big test for the United States, some cricket scores in Europe and the names-that-end-in-guay derby<p>America, having lost their first qualifier to Honduras and with a visit to Mexico City's Azteca Stadium to come on Tuesday, can scarcely afford to slip up when Costa Rica visit Dick Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado. But they play with a severely weakened side whose problems start at the very back, with Aston Villa's Brad Guzan likely to replace Everton's injured Tim Howard in goal. The defence, though, is the source of most concern: the captain, Carlos Bocanegra, has been dropped from the squad having lost his first-team place at Racing Santander, who are 19th in Spain's Segunda División – "He has no flow, he has no rhythm," explained Jürgen Klinsmann. With Jonathan Spector, injured in the first three minutes of Birmingham's match at Middlesbrough on Saturday, joining Timmy Chandler, Fabian Johnson and Danny Williams on the sidelines, Klinsmann has just six defenders in his squad, three of whom won their first and so far only caps in January's friendly with Canada, while Omar Gonzalez has played just three times more. Stoke's Geoff Cameron, who has won 12 caps at the age of 27, almost all of them in the last year, and Brondby's Clarence Goodson complete a far from convincing selection. Klinsmann has never quite convinced as a tactician, and must make from that unconvincing sextet a back four capable of dealing with Costa Rica's freewheeling attack – they have scored in each of their last nine games – led by Fulham's Bryan Ruiz and Arsenal's 20-year-old prodigy Joel Campbell, who <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW1VFeVpNrE&amp;feature=player_embedded" title="">has impressed this season on loan at Real Betis</a>. <strong>SB</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/mar/22/ten-international-things-this-weekend">Continue reading...</a>EnglandGermanyUruguayParaguayScotlandWalesSwedenRepublic of IrelandUSACosta RicaSouth AfricaFootballSportNorthern IrelandRussiaFranceGeorgiaPortugalIsraelWorld Cup 2014 qualifiersFri, 22 Mar 2013 10:18:54 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/mar/22/ten-international-things-this-weekendPhotograph: Miguel Rojo/AFP/Getty ImagesUruguay's Luis Suárez will play alongside Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlán against Paraguay. Photograph: Miguel Rojo/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Miguel Rojo/AFP/Getty ImagesUruguay's Luis Suárez will play alongside Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlán against Paraguay. Photograph: Miguel Rojo/AFP/Getty ImagesDaniel Harris, Simon Burnton, Ian McCourt and Jacob Steinberg2013-03-22T10:18:54ZAfrica Cup of Nations preview: Ivory Coast primed to fly or flop again | Paul Doylehttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/jan/18/africa-cup-of-nations-preview-ivory-coast
You can't bet against the Ivorians but, with Ghana, Algeria and Nigeria looking strong, it would still be no surprise if they failed once more<p>Ah, Ivory Coast. As we approach kick-off in another Africa Cup of Nations, all we can say for sure is that it would be as foolish to back against Didier Drogba &amp; Co as it would be cavalier to count on them. For the fifth time in a row the Elephants go into the tournament as one of the heaviest favourites, but this time no one will be surprised if they flop in timid or traumatic fashion.</p><p>Bad luck and bad attitudes have been foremost among the factors that have led to seemingly the most gifted generation of Ivorian players losing the 2006 and 2012 Nations Cup finals on penalties and getting dumped out of the two tournaments between by opponents who turned out to be sharper and more balanced (Egypt in the 2008 semi-finals and Algeria in the 2010 quarter-finals).</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/jan/18/africa-cup-of-nations-preview-ivory-coast">Continue reading...</a>Africa Cup of Nations 2013Africa Cup of NationsFootballIvory CoastZambiaCameroonMoroccoNigeriaTunisiaBurkina FasoAlgeriaSouth AfricaMaliTogoGhanaSportFri, 18 Jan 2013 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/jan/18/africa-cup-of-nations-preview-ivory-coastPhotograph: Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty ImagesIvory Coast can call upon Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou for their Africa Cup of Nations campaign. Photograph: Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty ImagesIvory Coast can call upon Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou for their Africa Cup of Nations campaign. Photograph: Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty ImagesPaul Doyle2013-01-18T10:00:00ZMatch-fixing scandal in South Africa overshadows Africa Cup of Nations | Jonathan Wilsonhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/jan/03/match-fixing-scandal-south-africa
Allegations have rocked the South African Football Association and the implications stretch across the world<p>So much for the World Cup legacy. As South Africa prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations, it should have been celebrating the fact that it had the infrastructure to step in as host when civil war forced the tournament to be moved from Libya, showing off once again the infrastructure built for 2010. As it is, the South African Football Association is left dealing with a match-fixing scandal whose tentacles stretch across the world and that has forced its president and four other officials to stand down.</p><p>The president, Kirsten Nematandani, and the officials, Dennis Mumble, Lindile 'Ace' Kika, Adeel Carelse and Barney Kujane, were asked to "take a voluntary leave of absence" pending an internal investigation into allegations they were complicit in the rigging of matches by the convicted fixer Wilson Raj Perumal and his company Football4U. Among the matches under investigation were two friendlies played by South Africa, one against Guatemala, the other against Colombia, in May 2010, a fortnight before the World Cup began.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/jan/03/match-fixing-scandal-south-africa">Continue reading...</a>FifaAfrica Cup of NationsSouth AfricaFootball politicsFootballSportMatch-fixingThu, 03 Jan 2013 10:00:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2013/jan/03/match-fixing-scandal-south-africaPhotograph: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty ImagesChildren play football near Soccer City Stadium in Soweto, a suburb of Johannesburg, before the World Cup final in 2010. Photograph: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty ImagesChildren play football near Soccer City Stadium in Soweto, a suburb of Johannesburg, before the World Cup final in 2010. Photograph: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty ImagesJonathan Wilson2013-01-03T10:00:04ZWorld Cup 2010: How South Africa dreamed the impossible dream | David Smithhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/22/south-africa-world-cup-2010
Organisers now face a tall order: to convince South Africans that playing host is as fun as playing to win<p>For a while they really did believe. When Katlego Mphela gave South Africa a 2-0 lead over 10-man France, then ran to fetch the ball with a sense of urgency, the entire nation held its breath and hoped.</p><p>"Unite in prayer, no matter your faith, creed or religion. The miracle is here," said one South African message on Twitter. Another tweet pleaded: "Come on Mexico, come on Bafana! Make dreams happen!!"</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/22/south-africa-world-cup-2010">Continue reading...</a>South AfricaWorld Cup 2010 Group AWorld Cup 2010FootballSportWorld CupTue, 22 Jun 2010 17:52:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/22/south-africa-world-cup-2010Photograph: Dominic Barnardt/Getty ImagesSouth Africa's Katlego Mphela scores his side's second goal against France to raise hopes of an even greater adventure for Bafana Bafana – but it was not to be. Photograph: Dominic Barnardt/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Dominic Barnardt/Getty ImagesSouth Africa's Katlego Mphela scores his side's second goal against France to raise hopes of an even greater adventure for Bafana Bafana – but it was not to be. Photograph: Dominic Barnardt/Getty ImagesDavid Smith in Johannesburg2010-06-22T17:52:09ZWorld Cup 2010: Africa's great leap forward turns into sorry stumble | David Smithhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/21/world-cup-2010-africa
The inquests have already begun into the causes of the continent's football malaise<p>Time is still making a mug out of Pelé. Every four years his oft-quoted prophecy that an African team would win the World Cup by the end of the 20th century looks more and more naive.</p><p>This year was meant to be different. With great (vuvuzela) fanfare, the tournament is being played on African soil for the first time. Politicians and organisers came up with the somewhat twee "African six-pack" to describe the half-dozen nations they boasted could bring glory to the continent. Mindful of names such as Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto'o, and clearly having failed to learn his lesson, <a href="http://www.timeslive.co.za/africa/article500772.ece/Pressure-is-on-the-African-Six-Pack" title="Pele predicted that an African team would meet Brazil in the final">Pelé predicted that an African team would meet Brazil in the final</a>. If ever African football's moment had arrived, this was surely it.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/21/world-cup-2010-africa">Continue reading...</a>World Cup 2010South AfricaNigeriaIvory CoastGhanaAlgeriaCameroonSportFootballWorld CupMon, 21 Jun 2010 20:25:16 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/21/world-cup-2010-africaPhotograph: Pierre-Philippe Marcou/AFP/Getty ImagesCameroon, led by Samuel Eto'o, are out of the World Cup. Nigeria, Algeria, Ivory Coast and South Africa are unlikely to make the next round Photograph: Pierre-Philippe Marcou/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Pierre-Philippe Marcou/AFP/Getty ImagesCameroon, led by Samuel Eto'o, are out of the World Cup. Nigeria, Algeria, Ivory Coast and South Africa are unlikely to make the next round Photograph: Pierre-Philippe Marcou/AFP/Getty ImagesDavid Smith in Johannesburg2010-06-21T20:25:16ZSouth Africa's kicks and new houses' bricks give Wallacedene hope | David Hytnerhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/21/south-africa-world-cup-townships
Wallacedene near Cape Town has been lifted by South Africa's staging of the World Cup while the process of transforming the township goes on<p>The group of labourers were enjoying a break from their work on the roof of the house. The conversation was the World Cup. Inevitably. It feels all-consuming at present. The boys reckon that either Brazil or Germany will go all the way. Their foreman wanders over. His name is Jason. He says that it has to be Argentina. The mention of England sees their features crease with laughter.</p><p>What of Bafana Bafana, who enter Bloemfontein's last-chance saloon tomorrow afternoon, needing a big win against crisis-torn France coupled with a positive result in the Uruguay-Mexico game to keep the dream alive? Brows are furrowed. Heads shake. Jason speaks up. He still believes. "We just have to continue to hope," he says, with a smile. "And pray. But yeah, I think Bafana can do it."</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/21/south-africa-world-cup-townships">Continue reading...</a>World Cup 2010South AfricaSouth AfricaFootballSportWorld newsAfricaWorld CupMon, 21 Jun 2010 12:24:20 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/21/south-africa-world-cup-townshipsPhotograph: Mellon Housing Initiative/guardian.co.ukIt will take more than the World Cup to transform Wallacedene but the competition is uniting South Africa's people. Photograph: Mellon Housing Initiative/guardian.co.ukPhotograph: Mellon Housing Initiative/guardian.co.ukIt will take more than the World Cup to transform Wallacedene but the competition is uniting South Africa's people. Photograph: Mellon Housing Initiative/guardian.co.ukDavid Hytner in Cape Town2010-06-21T12:24:20ZWorld Cup 2010: What we've learned today | Paul Haywardhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/17/world-cup-2010-africa-wipe-out
South Africa have all but been eliminated, leaving Africa anxious for at least one of its five other teams to avoid a wipe-out<p>This World Cup needs a strong African contender to extend the sense of triumph beyond the continent's bare staging of the tournament for the first time. To think the six nations who call Africa home would be satisfied with an early wipe-out on the field of play so long as the event itself can be called a success would be to misunderstand the ambitions of football in these parts.</p><p>South Africa are already in dire peril of becoming the first host country to fail to progress beyond the group stage. At Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria last night, Bafana Bafana fell victim to a striker who is developing a formidable reputation for crushing dreams. Diego Forlán, scorer of two of Uruguay's goals in the 3-0 win, was Fulham's tormentor in the Europa League final in Hamburg.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/17/world-cup-2010-africa-wipe-out">Continue reading...</a>World Cup 2010South AfricaFootballSportWorld Cup 2010 Group DWorld Cup 2010 Group BWorld Cup 2010 Group CWorld Cup 2010 Group EWorld Cup 2010 Group AWorld Cup 2010 Group GWorld CupThu, 17 Jun 2010 23:32:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/17/world-cup-2010-africa-wipe-outPhotograph: Rungroj Yongrit/EPAJohn Pantsil of Ghana, the best placed of the African teams to make it to the knockout stages, flies the flag after their win over Serbia. Photograph: Rungroj Yongrit/EPAPhotograph: Rungroj Yongrit/EPAJohn Pantsil of Ghana, the best placed of the African teams to make it to the knockout stages, flies the flag after their win over Serbia. Photograph: Rungroj Yongrit/EPAPaul Hayward in Cape Town2010-06-17T23:32:00ZWorld Cup 2010: Time for kick-off, time for joy in South Africa | Richard Williamshttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/11/world-cup-2010-south-africa
From affluent Sandton to Soweto, the special significance of football to the host nation is apparent everywhere<p>The 2010 World Cup ball is rounder than ever, they say, as well as more expensive. They call it Jabulani, the Zulu word for joy, which is also the name of one of the bleaker and more remote districts of Soweto, where a group of boys were playing yesterday on a scrubby pitch with a football that had definitely seen better days.</p><p>Bouncing up and down on the scuffed goalline, 14-year-old Xolani Prince smacked his black gloves together, fixed a serious expression on his face and prepared to confront another penalty-taker. This was a kickabout for members of Jabulani Arsenal, a team of local schoolboys who play in a Saturday league.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/11/world-cup-2010-south-africa">Continue reading...</a>World Cup 2010South AfricaFootballSportWorld CupThu, 10 Jun 2010 23:06:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/11/world-cup-2010-south-africaPhotograph: Rodger Bosch/AFP/Getty ImagesSouth Africa fans blow vuvuzelas at the 'Cape Town welcomes the world party' before the official start of festivities. Photograph: Rodger Bosch/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Rodger Bosch/AFP/Getty ImagesSouth Africa fans blow vuvuzelas at the 'Cape Town welcomes the world party' before the official start of festivities. Photograph: Rodger Bosch/AFP/Getty ImagesRichard Williams in Soccer City2010-06-10T23:06:02ZWorld Cup 2010: South Africa hope to lead African charge | Owen Gibsonhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/09/south-africa-african-teams
Injury-hit African teams face big challenges to advance at the World Cup<p>If anyone had suggested when the World Cup draw was made that the host nation was among the best-placed African nations to make the second stage, it would have prompted laughter from even the most patriotic vuvuzela-toting local. But such has been the dispiriting run of injuries to players representing their rivals in the past fortnight, and the improvement in the previously woeful form of South Africa in recent months under Carlos Alberto Parreira, that the theory is being advanced more seriously.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/09/south-africa-african-teams">Continue reading...</a>World Cup 2010AlgeriaWorld Cup 2010 Group CSouth AfricaWorld Cup 2010 Group AGhanaWorld Cup 2010 Group DNigeriaWorld Cup 2010 Group BIvory CoastWorld Cup 2010 Group GCameroonWorld Cup 2010 Group EFootballSportWorld CupWed, 09 Jun 2010 18:10:35 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jun/09/south-africa-african-teamsPhotograph: Chris Ricco/Sports Inc/Press Association ImagesSouth Africa's President Jacob Zuma said he was determind that the World Cup stays on the continent. Photograph: Chris Ricco/Sports Inc/Press Association ImagesPhotograph: Chris Ricco/Sports Inc/Press Association ImagesSouth Africa's President Jacob Zuma said he was determind that the World Cup stays on the continent. Photograph: Chris Ricco/Sports Inc/Press Association ImagesOwen Gibson in Johannesburg2010-06-09T18:10:35ZCarlos Alberto Parreira gives South Africa discipline and purpose | David Smithhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/may/28/south-africa-carlos-alberto-parreira
South Africa have been widely tipped for World Cup humiliation but Carlos Alberto Parreira has forged a new team spirit<p>A national day of prayer will be held in South Africa today for a successful hosting of the World Cup – and for the national team, Bafana Bafana. Faith in divine intervention could be seen as a final sign of desperation from a country seeking to avoid the ignominy of becoming the first World Cup hosts to go out in the first round. But recent results suggest that the prayers are already being answered.</p><p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/may/27/south-africa-colombia-soccer-city" title="South Africa's 2-1 victory over Colombia">South Africa's 2-1 victory over Colombia</a>, ranked 48 places higher in the world by Fifa, in a friendly last night has steeled nerves before the most crucial games in the country's history. The match, played in front of 75,000 fans at Soccer City, gave a tantalising glimpse of the tremendous colour and spectacle that will greet Africa's first World Cup when Bafana Bafana open against Mexico at the same stadium on 11 June. "South Africa has fallen in love with Bafana Bafana again, and that could spell trouble for World Cup rivals Mexico, Uruguay and France next month," <a href="http://2010.mg.co.za/article/2010-05-28-south-africa-falls-in-love-with-bafana-again" title="noted the Mail &amp; Guardian newspaper">the Mail &amp; Guardian newspaper</a> said.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/may/28/south-africa-carlos-alberto-parreira">Continue reading...</a>South AfricaWorld Cup 2010 Group AWorld Cup 2010FootballSportWorld CupFri, 28 May 2010 17:38:11 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/may/28/south-africa-carlos-alberto-parreiraPhotograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/ReutersSouth Africa's head coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira, centre, gestures to his team during pre-World Cup training at Marks Park stadium in Johannesburg. Photograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/ReutersPhotograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/ReutersSouth Africa's head coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira, centre, gestures to his team during pre-World Cup training at Marks Park stadium in Johannesburg. Photograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/ReutersDavid Smith in Johannesburg2010-05-28T17:38:11ZWill the World Cup turn out to be a damp squib for South Africa? | David Smithhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/mar/04/south-africa-namibia-international-match
With three months to go until the World Cup, the host nation are in crisis and fear they could leave the party first<p>"Bad, bad, bad Bafana" is the back page headline of today's Times newspaper in South Africa <a href="http://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/article337048.ece" title="">after the national team scraped a 1-1 draw at home to unimpressive Namibia</a>. "This was just not good enough, Bafana," it says.</p><p>Just three months before South Africa stages the World Cup, alarm bells are ringing that the hosts might be the first to leave the party. After years of anxiety about crime, transport and other logistics, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/nov/04/south-africa-world-cup-2010" title="">it could actually be South Africa's on-field performance that turns the celebration into a damp squib</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/mar/04/south-africa-namibia-international-match">Continue reading...</a>South AfricaWorld Cup 2010FootballSportWorld Cup 2010 Group AWorld CupThu, 04 Mar 2010 17:11:58 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/mar/04/south-africa-namibia-international-matchPhotograph: Jon Hrusa/EPAAlarm bells are ringing for South Africa after an unimpressive 1-1 draw with Namibia in Durban. Photograph: Jon Hrusa/EPAPhotograph: Jon Hrusa/EPAAlarm bells are ringing for South Africa after an unimpressive 1-1 draw with Namibia in Durban. Photograph: Jon Hrusa/EPADavid Smith in Johannesburg2010-03-04T17:11:58ZAfrica's biggest year kicks off with a shocking tragedy | Amy Lawrencehttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jan/08/africa-cup-of-nations-angola-preview
After the attack on Togo's team bus it is impossible for the tournament to go ahead as normal<p>For the multitude of footballers who have abandoned Europe's deep freeze to pull on their national colours in 30 degrees of sub-Saharan heat, Angola was supposed to represent the start of something special. But the shocking incident that saw the Togo team buses shot at yesterday, despite military protection, after travelling into Angola from neighbouring Congo has changed everything.</p><p>It will overshadow an Africa Cup of Nations which never before had assumed such significance. This edition, the prelude to the first World Cup to be hosted on the continent, pulls the curtain on the most important year in the history of African football.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jan/08/africa-cup-of-nations-angola-preview">Continue reading...</a>Africa Cup of NationsIvory CoastGhanaCameroonSouth AfricaFootballSportAfrica Cup of Nations 2010Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:18:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2010/jan/08/africa-cup-of-nations-angola-previewPhotograph: AFP/Getty ImagesA picture grabbed on the Televisao Publico de Angola channel shows the Togolese national team after the attack in Cabinda. Photograph: AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: AFP/Getty ImagesA picture grabbed on the Televisao Publico de Angola channel shows the Togolese national team after the attack in Cabinda. Photograph: AFP/Getty ImagesAmy Lawrence2010-01-08T22:18:00ZIvory Coast could be Africa's dangermen for England | Kevin McCarrahttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/dec/04/world-cup-draw-fabio-capello-england
England would do well to avoid African countries at the World Cup, particularly Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast<p>Fabio Capello wants to avoid meeting an African team at the World Cup. There is a dread that at least one of those countries will be inspired next summer. The arrival of the tournament on that continent is far more than a matter of scheduling. It is a moment of recognition and the effects of that were felt even in the less dramatic circumstances when South Korea were co-hosts in 2002.</p><p>Those lucky enough to be there will remember the mass happiness and friendship that summer. Judging by decisions, a referee or two was charmed. However, the players also performed as if their lives had been shaped purely for that moment.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/dec/04/world-cup-draw-fabio-capello-england">Continue reading...</a>World Cup 2010Fabio CapelloEnglandSouth AfricaNigeriaGhanaIvory CoastFootballSportWorld Cup 2010 Group BWorld Cup 2010 Group GWorld CupFri, 04 Dec 2009 00:10:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/dec/04/world-cup-draw-fabio-capello-englandPhotograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty ImagesChelsea's Didier Drogba will be spearheading a formidable Ivory Coast team at the World Cup. Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty ImagesChelsea's Didier Drogba will be spearheading a formidable Ivory Coast team at the World Cup. Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty ImagesKevin McCarra2009-12-04T00:10:02ZSouth Africa strives for special atmosphere and World Cup legacy | Owen Gibsonhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/nov/05/south-africa-world-cup-2010-preparations
The 2010 World Cup hosts are seeking a good mix of locals and visitors in new stadiums and a new image for African football<p>Yesterday afternoon we witnessed the finishing touches being put to the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg where 87,000 fans in the ground and hundreds of millions more watching on television will witness the World Cup being held aloft next July.</p><p>The expansive bowl has already become a victim of the global obesity epidemic – original plans for it to house 94,000 have been downgraded to around 87,000 after the seats had to be widened. Styled on a South African calabash, or cooking pot, the orange seats inside are designed to resemble a heated cauldron on match days.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/nov/05/south-africa-world-cup-2010-preparations">Continue reading...</a>World Cup 2010South AfricaFootballSportWorld CupThu, 05 Nov 2009 12:38:20 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2009/nov/05/south-africa-world-cup-2010-preparationsPhotograph: Mike Hutchings/ReutersCape Town's Green Point stadium is illuminated as construction officials test the lighting as part of preparations for the 2010 World Cup. Photograph: Mike Hutchings/ReutersPhotograph: Mike Hutchings/ReutersCape Town's Green Point stadium is illuminated as construction officials test the lighting as part of preparations for the 2010 World Cup. Photograph: Mike Hutchings/ReutersOwen Gibson2009-11-05T12:38:20Z